Bale to Wrexham? Hollywood owners make pitch to retired star
April 26, 2023 GMTWREXHAM, Wales (AP) — Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are making an audacious — and very public — bid to entice Gareth Bale out of retirement to play a season at Wrexham.
Chiellini, LAFC beat Timbers 3-2 after raising title banners
March 5, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Giorgio Chiellini only got gold medals and trophies as rewards for his nine straight Serie A titles with Juventus, so he was dazzled by the glittering black-and-gold MLS championship ring put on his finger Saturday by Los Angeles FC.
LAFC aims to defend its MLS Cup title in 2023
February 20, 2023 GMTLAFC
2022 RECORD AND FINISH: 21-9-4, 1st in the West, won the MLS Cup.
LAFC signs defender Sergi Palencia from Saint-Étienne
February 2, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles FC signed Spanish defender Sergi Palencia on Thursday to a two-year contract through the 2024 season.
The 26-year-old Palencia is joining the defending Major League Soccer champions from Saint-Étienne in France's Ligue 2.
Star power at Pebble comes more from amateurs than pros
February 1, 2023 GMTPEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick is one of only three players from the top 20 in the world at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. It's lacking star power by PGA Tour standards.
Bale retires at 33 with 5 CL titles, many Wales memories
January 9, 2023 GMTGareth Bale announced his retirement from soccer on Monday at the age of 33, ending the career of one of Britain’s greatest players after winning five Champions League titles and finally getting to play in a World Cup for Wales.
Bale makes early exit for Wales against England at World Cup
November 29, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — If it was Gareth Bale ’s final game for Wales, it ended rather unceremoniously.
Could World Cup be Bale’s goodbye to the global stage?
November 28, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — With Wales on the verge of World Cup elimination, Gareth Bale was dismissive when asked if Tuesday’s game against England could be the last for his country.
Iran will have backup goalkeeper against Wales and star Bale
November 24, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand will miss the World Cup match against Wales with a concussion, giving likely replacement Hossein Hosseini a tall task against star Gareth Bale.
Iran, in last place in Group B after a 6-2 loss to England, plays Wales on Friday at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Bale hopes Wales’ World Cup trip inspires next generations
November 20, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Gareth Bale thought about the significance of Wales reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
“Schools are going to stop to watch our games,” he said, beaming. “Kids are going to miss school — fortunately for them.
Wales coach Page not worried about Bale ahead of World Cup
November 9, 2022 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Wales head coach Robert Page has dismissed concerns about Gareth Bale's fitness after including the former Real Madrid forward in his World Cup squad on Wednesday.
Bale will captain his country in Qatar, which is the first time it has qualified for the tournament since 1958.
With World Cup on horizon, Bale comes up big for LAFC
November 6, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Even at less than 100%, Gareth Bale can still make a huge impact on a game.
The Welsh superstar showed during Saturday's MLS Cup final between Los Angeles Football Club and the Philadelphia Union that he shouldn't be underestimated going into the World Cup.
LAFC claims 1st MLS Cup title with shootout win over Union
November 6, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A weary Carlos Vela reluctantly checked out of the MLS Cup final in the 97th minute, giving way to Gareth Bale in a tense 2-2 game.
Bale the star as Wales returns to World Cup after 64 years
October 24, 2022 GMTA hush descended over the players and coaching staff of the Welsh national team as renowned actor Michael Sheen delivered a stirring pre- World Cup speech at the squad’s training base.
Bale energized for World Cup after feeling the love in LA
September 21, 2022 GMTDuring his difficult final years at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale only truly found happiness on a soccer field when he linked up with Wales for matches with his national team.
Now, after moving to the United States, he is feeling the love at club level, too.
Chiellini, Bale get LAFC home debuts in 2-1 win over Seattle
July 30, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Kwadwo Opoku and Carlos Vela scored in the first half, and Los Angeles FC beat the Seattle Sounders 2-1 Friday night in the home debuts of European superstars Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale.
Bale scores first MLS goal, LAFC beats Sporting KC 2-0
July 24, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Gareth Bale, a 33-year-old who starred in European soccer, subbed on in the 65th minute and scored his first MLS goal and Los Angeles FC beat Sporting Kansas City 2-0 on Saturday night.
Bale, Chiellini make MLS debuts, LA beats Nashville 2-1
July 18, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini made their Major League Soccer debuts for Los Angeles FC in a 2-1 win over Nashville on Sunday night.
Bale, Wales' 33-year-old captain, entered in the 71st minute.
Gareth Bale says he’s at LAFC to win trophies, not to retire
July 11, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Gareth Bale wants the world to know Los Angeles FC is not the 18th hole of his soccer career.
The golf-loving Welsh forward intends to keep playing for club and country for several more seasons, and he hopes to fill those years winning trophies with his new stateside team.
Chiellini, Bale look on as LAFC edges LA Galaxy 3-2 in derby
July 9, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale weren't quite ready to play in Los Angeles FC's rivalry derby, both stars got an up-close look at the passion and potential in their new club.
LAFC hopeful Bale can join club within a couple weeks
June 27, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — John Thorrington confirmed Sunday that Gareth Bale is joining Los Angeles FC. The timing of when that will happen remains a bit unsettled.
Thorrington, LAFC's co-president and general manager, said after Sunday's match against the New York Red Bulls he is hopeful Bale can arrive stateside in the next week to 10 days once all the immigration paperwork is completed.
Arango, Palacios score in LAFC’s 2-0 victory over Red Bulls
June 26, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Cristian Arango and Diego Palacios scored three minutes apart in the second half as Los Angeles FC pulled away for a 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.
MLS-leading LAFC improved to 10-3-3 with its fourth shutout of the season and capped a momentous weekend of activity.
AP source: Gareth Bale signs with MLS leaders Los Angeles FC
June 25, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles FC has reached a deal with Welsh forward Gareth Bale to move to Major League Soccer after his departure from Real Madrid, a person close to the deal told The Associated Press.
Bale says WCup qualification will influence his next move
June 10, 2022 GMTCARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Gareth Bale said Wales' qualification for the World Cup in Qatar will influence the next stage in his career as he weighs up which team to join after leaving Real Madrid.
Karius leaving Liverpool 4 years after infamous CL final
June 9, 2022 GMTLIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool has confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Loris Karius four years after his last appearance for the club when his concussion-related gaffes contributed to a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final.
Getafe president says Bale was offered to play for the club
June 8, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — The agent of Gareth Bale offered the Wales forward to play for Getafe next season, the Spanish club's president said Wednesday.
Ángel Torres made the comments during the club's launch of its new uniform.
Wales beats Ukraine to end 64-year wait for World Cup return
June 5, 2022 GMTCARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Weeks of back spasms were not going to stop Gareth Bale's mission to lead Wales back to the World Cup.
Try stopping the captain taking to the field when there is a 64-year drought to end.
Ukraine’s World Cup quest ends with loss to Wales amid war
June 5, 2022 GMTCARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Ukraine's players wept in the rain while applauding their dejected supporters after missing out on qualifying for the World Cup by losing 1-0 to Wales in Europe's last playoff for the FIFA soccer showpiece on Sunday.
MATCHDAY: Ukraine or Wales to World Cup; Spain in Prague
June 4, 2022 GMTA look at what’s happening in European soccer on Sunday:
WORLD CUP PLAYOFF
The final European spot at the World Cup will be determined in Cardiff where Wales hosts a Ukraine side trying to deliver an uplifting sporting success amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
Gareth Bale bids farewell to Real Madrid, honored by queen
June 1, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Gareth Bale bid farewell to Real Madrid and earned another honor on Wednesday — this time from Queen Elizabeth II.
The five-time Champions League winner, whose Madrid contract expires this month after nine years, was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire, or MBE, in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List.
Bale in the spotlight ahead of Madrid’s game against Chelsea
April 11, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Just about everything has been going Real Madrid’s way recently, in the Spanish league and the Champions League.
Not even the resounding 4-0 loss to Barcelona in the “clásico” at home a few weeks ago was enough to knock the Spanish league leaders off track.
Bale says media pressure can push athletes ‘over the edge’
March 25, 2022 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Gareth Bale has spoken out against the psychological harm that professional athletes can receive from the media after a leading Spanish sports daily published a column on the Real Madrid player entitled “The Welsh Parasite.”
Bale’s brilliance moves Wales into World Cup playoff final
March 24, 2022 GMTCARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Gareth Bale demonstrated his enduring value for Wales by scoring two goals — including a sensational free kick — in a 2-1 win over Austria on Thursday, leaving his country one more victory away from a first World Cup in 64 years.
Bale in ‘very good shape’ for Wales’ World Cup playoff game
March 23, 2022 GMTCARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Gareth Bale declared himself in “very good shape” and ready to play “whatever is necessary” for Wales in its World Cup playoff against Austria, days after pulling out of Real Madrid’s humiliating loss to Barcelona in the Spanish league.
Bale ready to answer Wales call after missing ‘clasico’
March 21, 2022 GMTMore than two years have passed since a grinning Gareth Bale, celebrating a big win for his national team, held up a Welsh flag with the words “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In That Order” written on it.
At least in his soccer career, it appears little has changed.
Madrid held at Villarreal before PSG; Bale makes rare start
February 12, 2022 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The only positive that Real Madrid could take away from its scoreless draw with Villarreal on Saturday was Gareth Bale, whose good form belied his return to the pitch after more than five months on the sidelines.
MATCHDAY: League Cup QFs in England; Real Madrid at Bilbao
December 21, 2021 GMTA look at what’s happening in European soccer on Wednesday:
ENGLAND
West Ham plays Tottenham for a place in the semifinals of the League Cup after knocking out holder Manchester City. West Ham has slipped in the Premier League recently by losing half of its last six games.
Real Madrid outbreak grows after Alaba, Isco test positive
December 21, 2021 GMTMADRID (AP) — Real Madrid has added David Alaba and Isco Alarcón to its list of players with COVID-19, taking it to eight members of its first team.
Madrid added the defender and midfielder on Tuesday to the list that already included Luka Modric, Marco Asensio, Rodgyro, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Virus-hit Madrid held by Cádiz; record hat trick for Molina
December 20, 2021 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Depleted by coronavirus infections, Real Madrid was held 0-0 at home by Cádiz in the Spanish league on Sunday to end its 10-game winning streak across all competitions.
Jorge Molina struck three times in Granada’s 4-1 win over Mallorca to become the oldest player — at 39 years and 241 days — to score a hat trick in the top five European leagues.
Real Madrid hit by virus outbreak before hosting Cádiz
December 16, 2021 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid may have run into its toughest opponent of the season: COVID-19.
An outbreak of the virus has infected six Madrid players. The club said Thursday that Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, and backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin were infected, a day after both midfielder Luka Modric and Marcelo tested positive.
4 more Real Madrid players test positive for COVID-19
December 16, 2021 GMTMADRID (AP) — Real Madrid players Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, Andriy Lunin and an assistant coach have joined its group infected by a coronavirus outbreak, the Spanish club said on Thursday.
Bale and Hazard out of Real Madrid match against Sheriff
November 22, 2021 GMTMADRID (AP) — Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard were not included in Real Madrid’s squad for the Champions League match at Sheriff because of health issues, the club said on Monday.
Both players were not available for coach Carlo Ancelotti after returning from the international break, and missed the team’s 4-1 win at Granada in the Spanish league on Sunday.
MATCHDAY: Man City has attacking concerns, Napoli vs. Inter
November 20, 2021 GMTA look at what’s happening in European soccer on Sunday:
ENGLAND
Manchester City could be without three of its key attackers for a home match against Everton in the Premier League. Kevin De Bruyne is definitely missing after contracting the coronavirus while England players Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were hurt during the international break and are doubts.
Daniel James scores for Wales to hold host Czechs to 2-2
October 8, 2021 GMTPRAGUE (AP) — Daniel James scored in the second half for Wales to hold host Czech Republic to 2-2 in World Cup qualifying on Friday.
James, who also scored in beating the Czechs 1-0 in Cardiff in March, netted past goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik from inside the area in the 69th minute.
MATCHDAY: Croatia, Dutch under pressure in WC qualifying
October 7, 2021 GMTA look at what’s happening in European soccer on Friday:
Real Madrid held by 10-man Levante; Atlético wins again
August 22, 2021 GMTMADRID (AP) — After defending champion Atlético Madrid edged Elche to add to its winning start in the Spanish league, Real Madrid couldn't overcome a Levante side that was forced to finish the match with a defender as its goalkeeper.
The Latest: Italy scores 3, beats Switzerland at Euro 2020
June 16, 2021 GMTThe Latest on soccer’s European Championship:
___
Manuel Locatelli scored two goals and Italy beat Switzerland 3-0 to advance to the last 16 of the European Championship with a game to spare.
Wales travel far to take on Switzerland in Baku at Euro 2020
June 11, 2021 GMTBAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — From schoolboy to the national team, Dylan Levitt has come a long way since Wales went a long way at the last European Championship.
The Welsh reached the semifinals at Euro 2016 in their tournament debut, inspiring the likes of Levitt to work his way into the team for this year's edition.
Ancelotti ready to give Bale another chance at Madrid
June 2, 2021 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Carlo Ancelotti is ready to give Gareth Bale another opportunity at Real Madrid.
During his presentation to start his second stint as Madrid’s coach on Wednesday, Ancelotti said that he expected Bale to return —- and play well — from his loan at Tottenham.
Colwill is surprise inclusion in Wales squad for Euros
May 30, 2021 GMTCARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Cardiff midfielder Rubin Colwill was included in Wales’ European Championship squad on Sunday after just 191 minutes of senior football.
The 19-year-old Colwill was the surprise name in the final 26-man squad captained by Gareth Bale and containing the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Daniel James, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon.
Bale hat trick as Tottenham beats Sheffield United 4-0
May 2, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Gareth Bale scored a hat trick as Tottenham stayed in the Champions League qualification race with a 4-0 win over relegated Sheffield United on Sunday...
Bale turns back time at Tottenham as Man U and Chelsea draw
February 28, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Gareth Bale turned back time for Tottenham, while Chelsea and Manchester United seemed happy just to play out time...
Tottenham, AC Milan reach knockout stage of Europa League
December 3, 2020 GMTAssociated Press (AP) — AC Milan came from two goals down to beat Celtic 4-2 on Thursday and qualify for the Europa League's knockout stage, while Tottenham advanced despite giving up a late equalizer...
Real Madrid makes some cash with squad moves for new season
September 8, 2020 GMTMADRID (AP) — While Barcelona was working to keep Lionel Messi, defending champion Real Madrid was quietly making moves to get ready for the Spanish league...
Wonder-goal, gaffes, injuries as Madrid seals CL three-peat
May 27, 2018 GMTKIEV, Ukraine (AP) — With his back to goal but eyes on the incoming cross, Gareth Bale connected with the ball while leaping in the air and sent a scissor-kick arcing into the top of the net...
Benitez’s Madrid stumbles again in 2-2 draw at Valencia
January 3, 2016 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid squandered a great opening goal and a chance to catch Barcelona in the Spanish league standings when it slipped to a 2-2 draw at Valencia in a match it ended with 10 men on Sunday.
Ronaldo sees red in Madrid win; Messi nets 2 as Barca rolls
January 24, 2015 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for kicking an opponent in Real Madrid's 2-1 win at Cordoba, and Lionel Messi reached the 30-goal mark for a seventh straight season in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Tottenham sets sights on top 2 in Premier League
March 8, 2013 GMTLONDON (AP) — After enhancing its status as the new power in London, Tottenham can set about disrupting the hegemony of the two big guns from Manchester by beating Liverpool in the English Premier League's standout match this weekend.
Gareth Bale: Europe’s most exciting soccer player
November 3, 2010 GMTPARIS (AP) — A shade over two months ago, in a packed auditorium in Monaco, Sisenando Maicon Douglas — known simply as Maicon by the opponents who fear him — beamed with pride as he was presented with a ball-shaped silver trophy for being the best defender in European club soccer for 2010.